Lynn tops congested leaderboard

England’s David Lynn made a flying start to his third round to lead the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol, but there were no fewer than 23 players within three shots of the lead.

Starting the day two shots behind halfway leader Eduardo De La Riva, Lynn – who has one European Tour win from over 350 events – pitched to five feet at the fifth to complete an early hattrick of birdies.

The 38 year old then gained a further shot on the 11th, to lead by one on ten under par.

De La Riva, one under for the day through six holes after sinking a six-foot birdie putt at the first, was part of a five-strong group on nine under.

He was joined by Welshman Phillip Price, first-round leader Matteo Manassero and English pair Simon Khan and Robert Rock.

The clubhouse target was set at eight under par by France’s Gregory Bourdy and local favourite Borja Etchart.

“I had a great day and enjoyed a lot,” said three-time European Tour winner Bourdy.

“I didn’t make any bogeys and had an eagle. My putting was reasonably good, as opposed to the first two days.

“I actually chipped-in twice in a row on five and six, which is a bonus. But the key today was my long game. I played consistently from tee to green and didn’t make any mistakes.”

There was a three-way tie at the top when Price had his eighth birdie of the day at the 17th and De La Riva holed from ten feet at the seventh.